‘James Bond 24’: Monica Bellucci & ‘Sherlock’ Villain Rumored

Production on the next James Bond flick will kick off on Monday, with Sam Mendes again directing Daniel Craig in what will be his fourth film as the world’s most famous spy. Before then, however, Sony Pictures is throwing a shindig on the Thames this Thursday to unveil Bond 24’s official title as well the full cast.

NowDeadline is reporting that another name is “in the mix” for Bond 24: Monica Bellucci. Most will recognize Bellucci from Matrix Reloaded and Matrix Revolutions, but her role in Bond 24 (if it exists) remains a mystery. Though it’s a safe bet her character will catch Bond’s eye, turning her into one of this film’s requisite “Bond girls.”

There’s another casting rumor spinning around ahead of Thursday’s announcement, but considering its source – the UK’s Mirror – this one sounds less credible. The British tabloid is reporting that Sherlock actor Andrew Scott has been cast as the villain in Bond 24.

According to their source, Scott was specifically sought for the role of Bond 24’s villain thanks to his turn as Sherlock’s nemesis, Moriarty, on the hit BBC drama. The Mirror goes on to suggest Scott is seeking to make the jump to the big screen, much like his Sherlock co-stars, Benedict Cumberbatch and Martin Freeman.

Then again, they also cite previous comments that Scott has made about not wanting to be typecast, and playing a Bond villain would surely be typecasting. Plus, Christoph Waltz is all but confirmed to be in the film, and would there really be more than two villains in the film? (It’s possible, though maybe not likely.) And frankly, it’s tough to imagine Waltz joining the Bond franchise in any other capacity.

What do you make of these new Bond 24 casting rumors? Let us hear what you think in the comments below, and check back Thursday for the reveal of Bond 24’s full title and cast!